Daniel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

DANIEL 5

THE PRIDE OF BELSHAZZAR WRITTEN ON THE WALLS

Belshazzar, a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar, becomes king of Babylon. During a large drunken feast, he orders that the wine is to be consumed out of the sacred temple goblets, which Nebuchadnezzar previously plundered from the temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 1:2). In his pride and arrogance, Belshazzar defiles God’s holy items, using them to honor false idols.

Suddenly, a disembodied hand appears and begins writing on the plaster walls of the palace. Horrified by the sight, Belshazzar turns pale with fear. He calls for his fortune tellers and astrologers to interpret the mysterious writing, but they are unable to decipher it. Remembering Daniel’s ability to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, the queen advises Belshazzar to summon Daniel.

Daniel divulges the meaning of the writing, telling Belshazzar that Babylon does not measure up, their days are numbered, and they will soon be overthrown by the Persians and Medes. Belshazzar praises Daniel for his wisdom, dresses him in royal purple robes, and makes him third in line to the throne.

That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and Darius the Mede becomes ruler of the kingdom. Mere hours later, Daniel’s interpretation is already fulfilled.

STUDY QUESTIONS

In Daniel 5:10-12, why did the queen remember Daniel during the crisis? How did she describe his abilities, and what does this say about Daniel’s reputation in the kingdom?

In Daniel 5:22, Daniel confronted Belshazzar by saying, “Though you knew all this…” (ESV) What did Daniel expect Belshazzar to have learned from Nebuchadnezzar’s experience?

Have you ever heard the phrase “the writing on the wall”? That expression comes from Daniel 5! How did the message given to Belshazzar serve as a clear sign or warning of something inevitable?